Daily Hudson Valley News » Volunteerhttp://www.hvinsider.com/articles
Online news source for the Mid Hudson RegionSun, 15 Feb 2015 20:02:35 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Foster Grandparent Program Seeking Volunteershttp://www.hvinsider.com/articles/foster-grandparent-program-seeking-volunteers/
http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/foster-grandparent-program-seeking-volunteers/#commentsSat, 08 Nov 2014 19:41:36 +0000http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/?p=16474The Foster Grandparent Program of Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc. is expanding its outreach efforts and is interested in attracting additional volunteers. This program provides valuable assistance to children with special and exceptional needs in an academic setting. The Foster Grandparent volunteers serve one-on-one as tutors and mentors to young people throughout the six counties of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Sullivan, Ulster, and Orange. This program is funded primarily by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Additional funding is provided by the New York State Office for Aging and Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.

The Foster Grandparent volunteers are low-income senior citizens who must be a minimum of 55 years of age. They volunteer from 15 to 35 hours weekly and receive a tax-free hourly stipend as well as 30 paid vacation days, 12 paid sick days and 5 paid inclement weather days. Additionally they are provided mileage reimbursement. Volunteer liability insurance, and an annual Recognition Luncheon honoring their service to the community. Currently WestCOP’S

Foster Grandparent program has over 200 seniors serving hundreds of children in numerous Head Start centers, elementary schools, and day care centers throughout many different cities and towns.

Nationally there are nearly 30,000 Foster Grandparents serving in 341 local projects. These participants provide service to more than 284,000 children with special and exceptional needs.

Sign up today and share your love, time and experience. You have the power to help a child who needs you!!! If you are interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent volunteer or just need more information, please call 914-592-5600 ext. 114 or email .

Volunteer coaches will receive coaching certification through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) and their children can participate in the sport that they are coaching FREE of charge. Come and make a difference in a young athlete’s life.

Interested coaches should stop by the City of Newburgh Activity Center, 401 Washington St or call Derrick Stanton at (845) 569-7374 or (845) 220-6315

]]>http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/city-of-newburgh-recreation-department-is-looking-for-volunteer-coaches/feed/0Volunteers Pitch-in As Part of MLK Dayhttp://www.hvinsider.com/articles/volunteers-pitch-in-as-part-of-mlk-day/
http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/volunteers-pitch-in-as-part-of-mlk-day/#commentsTue, 21 Jan 2014 03:50:13 +0000http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/?p=15139Today Hudson River Housing led more than 30 volunteers in service projects honoring Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy. They were joined by hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the country on this national day of service.

“Today we answer Dr. King’s call to serve and are making a difference in the lives of Poughkeepsie residents,” said Edmond Murphy, the Executive Director of Hudson River Housing. “A resourceful way to meet local needs, volunteer service is a powerful tool that builds strong communities. We are putting the core American principles of citizenship and service into action.”

Murphy led volunteers in a construction project at the historic Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory. This property is being rehabilitated by Hudson River Housing as part of its neighborhood revitalization efforts in the Middle Main neighborhood of Poughkeepsie. Volunteers installed temporary windows to help secure the building for the winter. Another group of volunteers helped with a cleaning project at Webster House Shelter for the Homeless, which provides emergency housing and support services for homeless adults 365 nights of the year.

The MLK Day of Service shines a spotlight on service as a powerful force to bridge economic and social divides – today and throughout the year. National Days of Service provide each of us with an opportunity to join neighbors and local leaders to tackle community challenges and strengthen the nation.

]]>http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/volunteers-pitch-in-as-part-of-mlk-day/feed/0Hudson River Housing Mobilizes Area Residents to Serve on MLK Holidayhttp://www.hvinsider.com/articles/hudson-river-housing-mobilizes-area-residents-to-serve-on-mlk-holiday/
http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/hudson-river-housing-mobilizes-area-residents-to-serve-on-mlk-holiday/#commentsMon, 13 Jan 2014 17:16:39 +0000http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/?p=15091Dutchess County residents will step up to serve as volunteers on the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Hudson River Housing has planned a day of service that will leverage the strength of local citizens to help tackle local problems and advance King’s dream of opportunity for all. Volunteers will help with two local projects, joining hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country in volunteer service.

WHAT: Installing temporary windows in this historic building to keep the winter weather out. Hudson River Housing is redeveloping this property as part of its neighborhood revitalization efforts in the Middle Main Poughkeepsie neighborhood.

WHEN: Monday, January 20th – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

The annual event honors Dr. King’s legacy and is an opportunity for Americans to renew their own personal vows of citizenship through service to others. The Corporation for National and Community Service leads the annual MLK Day of Service, working with the King Center in Atlanta and thousands of nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, and schools and businesses nationwide. For further information about the MLK Day of Service and what’s taking place across the country, visit MLKDay.gov.

For more information and to sign-up to volunteer with Hudson River Housing, please call Lindsay Duvall at (845) 454-5176. More information on Hudson River Housing’s programs and services can be found at www.hudsonriverhousing.org or by calling (845) 454-5176.

We build homes. What do you build? Two Habitat homes are going up in Dutchess County in 2013 and the Habitat affiliate is extending an invitation for new volunteers. The stage is set for Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County to recruit volunteers who are willing to donate their time and talent on construction sites as well as with various committees that do not involve construction.

Habitat is offering this opportunity to all Dutchess County residents who wish support the elimination of substandard housing in Dutchess County. We also remind everyone of the importance of volunteering and making volunteer service a regular part of our lives. Current volunteers will be campaigning in the community to raise awareness and hand out volunteer recruitment packages. A commitment to Habitat Dutchess is a commitment to the working poor.

“Our community was built on the principal of volunteerism and now is an exciting time to continue that principal as Habitat continues to build more than houses”, said incoming President Peter Carr of Marshall and Sterling. “We are seeking volunteers who have experience in the home building industry to help lead the effort this year. We are also in need of lesser skilled volunteers who can assist in planning and other related tasks. There is a spot for everyone, from swinging a hammer to food service to fundraising.”

David Mack, GE Capital, Board President, expressed his excitement about the growth in Dutchess County’s Habitat for Humanity service. “In addition to 2 builds in 2013 we recently completed a blitz build during Hurricane Sandy and our home owner celebrated Christmas in her new home. We have houses, we have families and now we need YOU to make them a home.

Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County is a non-profit organization, based on Christian principals, and welcomes people of all faiths or no faith that support the mission of eliminating substandard housing. Habitat homes are funded by local donors and are built by volunteers and partner families from the community. The homes are sold at no profit with a 0% interest, 20 year loan to partner families who qualify. Qualifying families must also donate 400 hours of “Sweat Equity” to their home and other Habitat projects.

Habitat for Humanity builds houses and so much more. A Habitat house build site opens a door to a home and to a world of opportunity. Laying a foundation transforms a neighborhood. Installing a window gives clear vision of the future. Renovating a home renews an entire neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity asks, “What will you build in 2013?” come work with us to transform our community, one home at a time.

To learn how you can volunteer to help build with Habitat call the office at 845/475-9336 or email . You can also register to volunteer on our website at www.habitatofdutchess.org.

]]>http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/dutchess-habitat-kicks-off-2013-volunteer-campaign/feed/0Group Workcamps to Come to Together to Help Residents of Port Jervis This Weekhttp://www.hvinsider.com/articles/group-workcamps-to-come-to-together-to-help-residents-of-port-jervis-this-week/
http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/group-workcamps-to-come-to-together-to-help-residents-of-port-jervis-this-week/#commentsWed, 27 Jun 2012 21:08:38 +0000http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/?p=8576As many as 70 local residents will benefit from the work of more than 400 adult and teenage volunteers at the River City Group Workcamp which takes place this week in the City of Port Jervis. The River City Workcamp provides free home repairs through the Group Cares mission program, which is sponsored locally by the Port Jervis Community Development Agency (PJCDA). Group Cares is a non-profit, interdenominational Christian volunteer home-repair organization headquartered in Loveland, Colorado. This summer, an anticipated 25,000 young people and adults will participate in more than 43 Workcamps in communities across the United States and Canada.

At each Workcamp, teenagers and adults –all members of church youth groups—volunteer a week of their time to repair homes throughout the community. “This year’s program is our largest and most successful yet, with 409 volunteers serving 70 Port Jervis families: “said Russell R. Potter, Port Jervis Mayor. The city of Port Jervis hosted two other Group Workcamps in 2007 and 2009. According to Kathleen Hendrickson, Director of the Port Jervis Community Development Agency, the 2012 River City Group Workcamp represents approximately 15,000 hours of volunteer labor worth at least $100,000 to the community.

“These are truly remarkable young people”, said Robert Ritchie, Chairman of PJCDA. “Each one of them is actually paying for the privilege of working in our community and we are honored to have them as our guests for the entire week.”

Workcamp registration fees, paid by the youth volunteers, are used to cover the costs of food, insurance, and building materials. PJCDA shares in the cost of work materials for the home repairs. The Port Jervis Community Development Agency is a quasi-public agency designated by the city of Port Jervis as the local administrator of federal, state and local funds for housing rehabilitation, public improvements, and economic development programs for the creation of jobs and commercial revitalization for the preservation of local commerce and industry. Valuable programs, such as the Group Workcamps, fulfill the PJCDA’s mission of community development and public service.

The River City Workcamp is housed at Delaware Valley Schools, with Workcampers sleeping on classroom floors, eating in the cafeteria, and enjoying evening programs in the gym. Group Workcamps will reimburse all costs to the lodging facility “This service to the community would not be possible without the wonderful cooperation of the Delaware Valley School system,” remarked Bill Lock, Camp Director for the River City Group Workcamp. “It is so inspiring to see how many people have opened their homes and their hearts to our volunteer youth”, states Bill Lock.

The idea behind the Workcamps started in Colorado in 1977 when residents suffered from the Big Thompson River flood in which hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed and over 140 people lost their lives. Church youth groups of many different denominations came from across the country the next summer to help. In 1978, the program went nationwide to include other areas throughout the country. This summer’s 43 Workcamps will take place in many different states, including but not limited to Florida, Virginia, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Illinois, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee, and Minnesota. Many workcamps will also take place internationally. Now in its 35th year of service, Group Workcamps has hosted over 235,000 volunteers who have improved over 35,000 homes across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

“We are so fortunate to have these young people as volunteers in our city to provide vital services to local homeowners in need,” said Mayor Potter, “and we look forward to supporting this program for many years to come”.

Repairs offered through the River City Workcamp include interior and exterior painting, weatherization, porch and wheelchair ramp construction, and other minor work and repairs that can be handled by the youth volunteers with adult supervision. Since its inception in 2007, the Port Jervis River City Workcamp has repaired 170 homes in the city of Port Jervis and is the only Group Workcamp that exists in Orange County, New York and the entire Hudson Valley.

]]>http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/group-workcamps-to-come-to-together-to-help-residents-of-port-jervis-this-week/feed/0Cuomo Invites New Yorkers to Volunteer at State Parks as Part of First “I Love My Park Day”http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/cuomo-invites-new-yorkers-to-volunteer-at-state-parks-as-part-of-first-i-love-my-park-day/
http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/cuomo-invites-new-yorkers-to-volunteer-at-state-parks-as-part-of-first-i-love-my-park-day/#commentsThu, 03 May 2012 18:21:18 +0000http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/?p=7778Governor Cuomo Invites New Yorkers to Volunteer at State Parks as Part of First “I Love My Park Day” this Saturday

Registration Now Open for Volunteer Projects at Over 35 state parks and historic sites on Saturday, May 5

Governor Cuomo today invited New Yorkers to volunteer at their favorite state park or historic site as part of the inaugural “I Love My Park Day” that will be held this Saturday, May 5th. Governor Cuomo will participate in an event this Saturday. Volunteers will participate in clean-up, beautification and stewardship events at more than 35 state parks and historic sites. To register, visit: http://www.nysparks.com/

“New York State is home to over 213 magnificent state parks and historic sites. Millions of New Yorkers visit their parks every year for camping, recreation, relaxation or simply to connect with nature or explore our history,” Governor Cuomo said. “Volunteers are more important than ever to help care for these special places and ‘I Love My Park Day’ is the perfect opportunity for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors and help clean-up our parks. I encourage New Yorkers to sign up for a volunteer activity at the more than 35 participating state parks and historic sites.”

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Parks & Trails New York are teaming up for “I Love My Park Day”, a statewide event to improve and enhance New York’s parks and historic sites and bring visibility to the entire park system and its needs. Volunteers will celebrate New York’s park system by cleaning up park lands and beaches, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitat, removing invasive species, and working on various site improvement projects.

“I Love My Park Day” comes on the heels of the enactment of the Governor’s New York Works Fund, which will provide $89 million, leveraging $143 million in total funding, to rehabilitate state parks, representing the single largest infusion in history of capital dollars for New York’s parks. Currently, 83% of state parks are deteriorating. Projects will be funded in every region of the state and will enhance the visitor experience and enable state parks to reemerge after years of decline.

“Governor Cuomo is not only committed to keeping all of our parks and sites open for the public to enjoy, but he has also made an historic investment in the infrastructure of parks and sites throughout the state. We are hard at work on making these improvements to enhance the experience for all of our visitors, and we continue to need the support of the public and dedicated partners to make our parks and sites the very best they can be,” State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said. “I Love My Park Day’ is a great way for citizens to make a strong show of support for New York’s wonderful park system. I’m grateful to Parks & Trails New York for organizing this inspiring initiative, and I encourage New Yorkers who love their parks to roll up their sleeves and make it a success.”

“Thanks to Governor Cuomo and legislators, state parks and historic sites are getting a welcome and much-needed infusion of capital funding to address aging infrastructure. All New Yorkers will benefit from this investment, either directly as visitors or through a boost in tourism. But government funding alone cannot do the job. Now New Yorkers who use and love their parks have an opportunity to do their part by pitching in on ‘I Love My Park Day’,” said Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin.

]]>http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/cuomo-invites-new-yorkers-to-volunteer-at-state-parks-as-part-of-first-i-love-my-park-day/feed/0Former Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary Treasurer Arrested For Missing Fundshttp://www.hvinsider.com/articles/former-fire-dept-ladies-auxiliary-treasurer-arrested-for-missing-funds/
http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/former-fire-dept-ladies-auxiliary-treasurer-arrested-for-missing-funds/#commentsTue, 13 Mar 2012 14:21:40 +0000http://www.hvinsider.com/articles/?p=7118A former treasurer of a local fire company ladies auxiliary has been charged in connection with missing funds.

Marion Long, age 68, of Marlboro, had, until recently, served as the Treasurer of the Winona Lake Fire Departments Ladies Auxiliary. She had served in that capacity for several years. Newly elected Ladies Auxiliary officers discovered large discrepancies in the Auxiliary accounts and reported same to Town of Newburgh Police.

An investigation revealed that approximately $22,000 is unaccounted for.

Long turned herself in to Town Police on Monday. She was charged with one count of Grand Larceny 3rd, a class D-felony. She was arraigned in Town Court and released for a future court appearance.